What Causes Age Spots?

Age spots usually appear after age 40, and are common on the backs of hands and on shoulders. They also sometimes appear on a person's face or back. Age spots are flat, tan or brown, irregularly-shaped spots which look like large freckles. Also called liver spots or sun spots, they're one obvious way that hands can make a person look older.

Sun

Age spots are caused by exposure to sun, even though they don't appear for many years.

Other Ultraviolet Light Sources

All ultraviolet light can cause age spots, including exposure in a tanning booth or to a sunlamp.

Heredity

Some people are more susceptible to age spots because of hereditary factors, and by having light skin and hair.

Fragrance and Oil

Musk and bergamot oil, prevalent in perfume and lotion, can cause age spots on sun-exposed skin.

Food Chemicals

Some foods contain chemicals called psoralens, which can cause skin sensitivity after handling, making skin more susceptible to sunburning and resulting in age spots. These foods include limes, parsley, celery, carrots and parsnips.

Medications

Certain medications such as antibiotics, anti-psychotic drugs and diuretics can cause age spots when skin is not protected from sun.